What are the differences between C++ async and futures?

What are the differences between C++ async and futures?

C++ async is a function that runs a task asynchronously, while futures represent the result of that task. Async returns a future.

Can you explain how futures work in C++?

Futures in C++ are used to retrieve the result of an asynchronous operation. They allow you to wait for the result without blocking the main thread.

When should I use async over futures?

Use async when you want to run a task in the background and get a future to its result. Futures are useful for managing the result of that task.

Are there any performance differences between them?

Yes, async may introduce some overhead due to task scheduling, while futures are lightweight and mainly used for result retrieval.